Conference netcad::hub_mgnt

3397.0. "Fast Ethernet/Switched FDDI/ATM" by MXOC00::CSILVA (Carlos@MXO 7296514 Free but focused) Mon Mar 25 1996 13:45

Crossposted in:

NOTED::ATM
UPSAR::FDDI
UPSAR::ETHERNET
SCHOOL:GIGASWITCH
NETCAD::HUB_MGNT


	The reason why several corporations are considering 
	Fast Ethernet again 100-Base-VG is that there is no need for
	frame translations since the frame format is the
	same as traditional Ethernet, apart from being a one-vendor
	proposal (Hp, who by the way has began to invest in 
	Fast Ethernet >;-> ).

	Fast Ethernet wins the price segment against FDDI. But,
	definitively, neither Fast Ethernet nor 100-Base-VG are
	backbone technologies as shared/switched FDDI or ATM are 
	(even HP mention this in his VG offering).

	That's why many corporations are following a scheme
	like this:

		Use departamental switches to integrate
		that old Ethernets to Fast Ethernet links
		to departamental servers.

		Integrate to the enterprise backbone
		with a technology suited for that matter.


		    enterprise backbone	(switched FDDI, ATM)
			!
		________________________
		!			!
		!	switch		!
		!_______________________!
			!	!!	
			!	!!Fast Ethernets to servers (cheaper
		   Ethernets				than FDDI,
							low latency)


	I think there is no other solution for switched FDDI
	like the GIGAswitch.

	Unfortuntaley, most of the companies are investing
	in the departamental switches and waiting for
	ATM, but that's another story.

	Hope this opinion helps